Terry Goddard Announces Toyota Will Provide Free Recall Assistance

(Phoenix, Ariz. -- Feb. 26, 2010) In response to a request by Attorney General Terry Goddard and other state Attorneys General, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. ("Toyota") has agreed to make special accommodations for Toyota owners in Arizona and all other states who have been affected by the company's recent recalls.

No-cost services provided by the company to Toyota and Lexus owners may include at-home pickup and return of recall vehicles, free rental cars until repairs are made and reimbursement for other transportation expenses related to the repair. Toyota said these benefits will be provided by dealerships on a case-by-case basis, and the company will reimburse dealers for the expense.

"Providing these services to its customers at no cost is the right thing for Toyota to do," Goddard said. "Consumers who have to make repairs because of safety defects caused by the company should not have to bear additional expense and inconvenience."

The company, which said earlier this week it would offer these accommodations in New York State, agreed to extend the benefits to its customers across the country after requests were made by Attorneys General in several states.

In a letter today to the Attorneys General, Toyota said it is "committed to making the recall campaigns proceed in a way that helps to ensure the customers' safety and satisfaction." A copy of that letter is attached.